Social Messages

Thoughts and Cartoons with a Social Message

Jailed in India,for over 40 years !

Social Messages / By

The ongoing fight of an Indian Advocate to seek justice for foreigners held in Indian jails.

Advocate Bhim Singh who has been fighting for repatriation of Foreigners serving in Indian jails since 1966 is also chief of Jammu And Kashmir Panthers Party, brought this matter as a Petitioner and told the bench that many Pakistani nationals were held without trial in many jails of the country. It is shocking that though most of them have served their sentences, they continue to be in our country’s jails.

Resulting, the Supreme Court asked  the Union Government to give comprehensive list of Pakistani prisoners in India within two weeks to understand the status of the cases pending against them and help activate the bureaucratic machinery in speeding up the repatriation process.

Advocate Singh is the first and foremost human rights activist and lawyer in the Supreme Court of  India and has made continuous efforts helping many Pakistani and other foreign nationals get back home after serving their terms in Indian jails and he is the ray of hope for prisoners serving over their sentenced tenure and for their relatives, back home.

Hopefully , there are Advocates like  Bhim Singh who strongly believe in right to life of every human,  across the borders of our country, who can send back Indian prisoners who are over-serving their term in Pakistani jails.

Follow News :

Times Of India

Economic Times

 

Sarabjit Singh in Pak prision since 1990 !

Social Messages / By

Jantar Mantar is about to witness yet another movement to bring back Sarabjit Singh.

On11.11.2011 at 11.11am Dalbir Kaur, sister of Sarabjit Singh and  president of the All India Youth Foundation, Virender Singh along with members of the foundation will take an oath at Amar Jawan (at India Gate) and therafter march to Jantar Mantar and will remain there and fast till the 21st of the month. This is to appeal to the people of the country to join them in their pledge to the government of India for the release Sarabjit from Pakistani Jail.

Sarabjit Singh is in Lahore’s Kot Lakhpat Jail  since last 21 years accused of being involved in 1990 serial bomb blasts in Lahore and Multan which killed 14 people and was arrested while crossing border. His lawyer in Pakistan has argued it is a ‘clear case of mistaken identity.’
Manjit Singh’s(Sarabjit Singh) sister and wife claim he is a simple farmer who left to plough his fields near Wagah Border on August 28, 1990, but never returned and all their search went in vain until they received a letter from Manjit informing them that he was caught by Pakistani border forces when he mistakenly crossed the border under the influence of liquor.

Pakistan on the other hand claimed he is a RAW spy who was involved in the 1990 serial blasts and in April 2008 some Pakistani students group demanded  withdrawal of all official moves to pardon Sarabjit.

He was given death sentence, but his hanging has been repeatedly postponed. Well it is Sarabjit himself who knows what is the truth but is 21 years of imprisonment with rare hope of being released, not as good as death sentence?

D.I.G. Mishra under House-Arrest

Social Messages / By

 Gaddafis and Saddams of our country ? 

D.I.G.   D.D. Mishra has been under house arrest since he got discharged from CSMMU where the officials said they did not find any sign of mental illness in Mishra. The government has not given any statement officially about his condition or the reason behind his ‘house arrest’. Media is not allowed to talk to him and only family members can visit him.

After all, he raised his voice against  his superiors and powerful people in the government who were buying sub-standard equipment at a price higher than the market rate hence D.I.G.  Thakur of Lucknow had all good reasons to take him out from his office to the mental hospital and declare he was mentally unsound.

The “Maya of Mighty Mayawati” and the ” honest system ” of the state may force the rebellious DIG to very soon seek  help of the Mental Asylum which declared him mentally fit.

But the question is do we, thecitizens of the country,  not have the Right to know, why anOfficer of the DIG rank is suddenly under house-arrest and why is he not allowed to talk to the media, after he spoke out against the mismanagment in the state ?

Is this not Dictatorship? Is there any  difference between Muammar Gaddafi and Kumari Mayawati ?

The Might And The Maya of Mayawati

Social Messages / By

Get well soon, Deputy Inspector  General, D.D. Mishra !

In a press conference held on Friday, Nov 4th 2011, Deputy Inspector General (fire services) D. D. Mishra presented the register of the fire department’s control room and accused the entire U.P. government of being corrupt . He did not sign on the purchases instead put  remarks on the irregularities in the various purchases, he noticed in several files. He has written to the government to launch an inquiry into the illegal purchase of material for the fire department and is very sure that no action will take place. Instead he claimed life threat after the reports get published and believes  government will not leave any stones unturned to grab these files. He said he wanted to raise alarm and set example for other policemen that they  can also raise voice for citizens.
“Mayawati will get me murdered,” Mishra said.

Right after this conference , DIG of Lucknow, D.K. Thakur reached Mishra’s office and said he had a word with him for two hours and he had to call Mishra’s daughter and experts from Chatrapati Sahuji Medical University as D.D. Mishra, according to him was “mentally unsound”

In fact, we all are. Aren’t we ? Do we really bother to check who we elect as our Ministers? Sound-mind is he who would not only support corruption but also take his share out of it.
Mayawati, the chief minister of Uttar Pradesh is one of the many “honest politicians” of our country on whom the CBI has filed case of disproportionate assets. and who knows not her  Rs 685 crore, Dalit Memorial in Noida which is a perfect example of dedication and responsibility towards her state people. Interestingly it includes her statue aswell and why not after all she does so much for her people.

Well, coming back to D.D. Mishra,only time well let us know how the Chief Minister would make him, mentally sound now.

Who killed Keenan Santos And Ruben Fernandes ?

Social Messages / By

20th October’ 2011 , a youth Keenan Santos was publicly stabbed to death and his friend Ruben Fernandes died 4 days after, suffering from wounds. They were attacked by a team of 20 goons when they defended their female friends, who were being teased. They were coming out of a restaurant in Andheri,Mumbai while this incident happened. The two young boys were accompanied by five other friends.

Police produced 21 accused in a court on 3rd November’11. But are these the only ones who actually killed Keenan and Ruben ?

What about those who were standing in tens and hundreds , viewing the tussle who did not even bother to inform the police, forget about intervening ?

In an interview , one of the female friend of Keenan and Ruben , who was present that day described how the spectators turned deaf ears , while these guys were being punished for opposing eve-teasing  and the girls were seeking help. She also mentioned , that even the restaurant people did not come to help , where the group used to frequently hang-out.

She explains , the Police Help-Line Number  – 100, kept busy throughout and that even after the culprits left the place no one came to even pick the guys up to the hospital.

 Can we just get away by blaming it all on the Police? How many are they in number? Do we need one police each by every citizen of the country ?  Can we get away by claiming the city is not safe for girls , out at night ? Where is our social responsibility ? Had the bigger culprits, “the scared and curious spectators” been responsible enough, chances are high, two young guys would have been alive , today.

News channels indicate, how 25000 plus people added their support on Facebook to seek justice for Keenan’s sacrifice. Is our responsibility just limited joining a community on social sites and demand for justice after the sufferings ? 

 Is it not time we be the change rather blaming our law and order system ?

To Be Auctioned-Dr Rajendra Prasad’s Rolex Watch !

Social Messages / By

Who will bid for Dr Rajendra Prasad’s  Gold Rolex Watch ?

On November 13th ‘ 2011 , India’s first President , Dr Rajendra Prasad’s  gold wristwatch would be on auction by Sotheby’s in Geneva. Estimated price of the 18k pink gold Rolex with India’s Map and the date of 26th January 1950, inscribed on the dial, is between Rs 1 – Rs 2 crore. The wristwatch was presented to him on the first Republic Day in 1950.

Retired professor and grand-daughter of  Dr Prasad, Tara Sinha  got a call from a British journalist who informed her that Sotheby’s official said neither Dr Prasad’s family nor the Indian Government contacted them yet. She has also learnt, the person giving this watch to Sotheby’s preferred anonymity.

While Tara Sinha remembers, in 1964, a watch of Dr.Prasad had been stolen from Old Sadaquat Ashram(Dr. Prasad’s House) in Patna, she is not sure if this is the same watch.

She has written letters to President Pratibha Patil, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar, pleading them to stop the auction and bring the watch back. and has not got any satisfactory response from anywhere, as yet.

All She wants is the watch be given back to India as per the UNESCO charter of 1970, as the watch is a national property.

It might be too late when our rulers respond and India’s Self-Respect be auctioned publicly. What do we commoners expect from our political leaders, when they are least bothered about Nation’s Property, Pride and First President’s belongings ?

Minimize Effects If Not Alcohol.

Social Messages / By
alcohol addiction cartoon image
Avoid effects of alcohol

AVOID SHORT TERM EFFECTS OF ALCOHOL – THE HYPNOTIC SEDATIVE

Not that we are of the opinion to support drinking as a habit or even a past time but keeping in pace with current life style standards, consumption of alcohol has increased not only in western countries but in India as well. May be, alcoholic beverages if consumed in small quantities and in long intervals does not affect in the long run but one can fall prey to its short-term effects, readily.

With today’s trends, alcohol consumption has gained popularity from teenagers in high school, in India and world over and that is not the worst news, the problem is that these young people who indulge in such activities do not know how to drink responsibly or even healthily. How many teenagers have you heard in recent past slamming their cars or two-wheelers at excessive speeds, under influence of the hypnotic sedative alcohol?

Guardians and family members try to bring to the notice of their young siblings the long-term effects of alcohol like diseases effecting the liver, kidney, or heart in the long run, but some people do not even survive even to get to that pitiful stage as negligence and irresponsibility cause accidental deaths to not only themselves but others as well. One may not restrict himself, in situations like corporate parties etc. where alcohol is limitless and people drink like there is no tomorrow.However, it is important for friends and guardians to inform people about the short-term effects of alcohol and the precautions they should take to minimize its effects. The amount and the circumstances of consumption of alcohol affect to a large extent the state of intoxication.

1)      Alcohol is not a support system for emotional distress and is advisable to avoid consumption under such situations and even if consumed should be with responsible company and within permissible limit.

2)      Never drink empty stomach; always have a good meal at least half hour before consumption of alcohol and may be some cheese some 15 to 20 minutes before its actual consumption as this would slow down the absorption of alcohol in the blood stream and will not be too intoxicating unless consumed in large quantities.

3)      Consumption of a lot of water or fluids except aerated water  during and after consumption of alcoholic beverages not only helps reduce hangovers, but also dilutes ones drink and fills up the stomach to an extent that one does not want to consume more.

4)      Stop consumption of alcohol at least 2 hours before you sleep so that your sleep is not disrupted and continue to drink water till at least 1 hour before you sleep.

5)      Avoid Smoking while you consume alcohol, as this doubles chances of intoxication.

6)      Healthy snacking is very important…. put an end to deep-fried veg or non-veg food, wafers, peanuts etc as they not only increase the risk of heart diseases later but also increases chances of acidity  which in turn may result in nausea and giddiness.

7)      Snacks like boiled vegetables/ or meat, char gilled items, various veg and non-veg salads, should be preferred over fried food.

8)      Try not to eat too heavy after drinking, and at least have a gap of 15 to 20 mins. before heading to eat after drinks. Definitely avoid rich and fatty food as that may lead to indigestion and cause nausea.

Mahisashura or Durga – Who is Dividing Us Again ?

Social Messages / By

Theories by Prem Kumar Mani , claiming Mahisashura as the king of ancient Bengal and that he was killed by Aryan agent Durga, with evidence from Puranas and the article’s title “Kiski Puja Kar Rahe Hain Bahujan” with the matter within, indicating Lordess Durga was the killer of Asuras and their King, who are the backward classes, in today’s India and questioning the worship of Durga , by the backward classes, may sound convincing to some ears and may be irrelevant to others. However, this successfully disturbed the peace of J.N.U., where a group of 200 students celebrated Mahisashura Day on October 24th and some wrote letters complaining about the article’s circulation during Durga Puja.

 After the circulation, RSS Student Wing, ABVP, attacked the Forum Members presided by Jitendra Yadav, while they were conducting a meeting in the campus. The University sent show-cause notices to the president of the Forum and to two members of ABVP. While the ABVP members sent replies, Jitendra Yadav preferred sending a legal notice. No big deal, if tomorrow, we get to see Mr. Yadav as a prominent politician, in the coming years.

Well, the question over here, is there any point taking out conclusions and theories and digging out proofs of past and mythology? Today when at least the urban areas of the country, are slowly getting rid of the evil of caste system and fundamentalism, how do these things help the country? Are divisions less that we need to divide more? Aryans and Non-Aryans ( Asuras ), Dravidians and God knows how many more sub-divisions,the question is-why? Do we really need to know all these? Are Real-life villains, in our day-to-day life, the corrupt politicians, gangsters and business houses not enough to keep us busy scrolling the TV news channels?

Ours is a country which allows everyone to follow their own religion and belief, then why hurting and questioning religious sentiments of some and provoke some others? Cheap politics never seem to cease which has been dividing and further dividing humankind. Caste Systems, Racial Discriminations and Religions are the major weapons of the same. ” Divide and Rule Policy ” of  The East India Company has been best learnt by some diplomats and politicians since Independence.

Its time, Indian Laws should be revised and made equal for all Indians. No religion and no castes should be considered privileged or under-privileged, anymore. Only then the opportunist brains of the nation, might  freeze implementing their evil policy of Divide and Rule.

Remind yourself about those crowded Local Trains and Buses and Metro Trains, where hundreds and thousands of us travel to reach our homes and offices. Do we have different sections and compartments, in those buses and trains on the basis religion and caste? Do we ask our fellow-passengers, about their religious and caste identities before pushing our body or dashing against them in those mercilessly crowded buses and trains? At the end, we have the same last destination.Don’t we? 

Ours is a country, where we do not question or disregard our cricket heroes and film-stars if they do inter-religion or inter-caste marriages and celebrate every religious and regional festivals with all, regardless one is from different caste or religion. Rather we rejoice in their happiness and love them regardless.

Ours is a country , where Dhoni carrying the World-Cup gave equal excitement and happiness to Indians from all walks of  life then why not give a full-stop to caste and religious discrimination , by giving deaf-ears to few politicians and fundamentalists, who never miss any chance to propagate against humankind. Why not, live and let live in a peaceful India? As rightly said in one of the Bollywood Movies ” Rang De Basanti ” – “Apna ek pair Past mei hai aur doosra Future mei , isiliye saala Present pe moot rahe hain ” – (Our one leg is on the past and the other leg on the future and thats why we are urinating on our present)

Turban Ban Remains Intact For Sikhs, in France !

Social Messages / By

Is France not , truest definition of  a Secular Country ?

On his two-day visit to India , the French foreign minister, Allain Juppe, declared that the ban on wearing Turban would remain intact  which has majorly hurt the religious sentiments of Indians(Sikhs), living in France. French Foreign Minister has cleared that France being a secular country does not allow displaying religious symbols in public places and government buildings and offices. He cleared that they believe, religion should not intervene into the day-to-day life of people , living in France and neither should religion be dragged into politics. This ban is for everyone following any religion, residing in the country. Rooms for further discussion to find a better solution for the Sikh Community, is still intact.
Although, being an Indian , it hurts , in the first instance , to know , that turbans are banned in France but does it also not indicate that for France , Nationalism is a priority over everything else ?

The question which arises here is :

  • What have Indian Governments, given us, so far , keeping religion and castes prominent, just for vote-bank politics ? None of the governments , since freedom , have been impartial. Some gave upper hand to minorities, in the country and some gave upper hand to specific religions and castes.
  • What did we Indians get , being religious fanatics ? Did we not get riots, in the name of religion ? Did we not get Maoists and Terrorists, in the name of religion and caste discrimination ?
  • Is it not true that, “religion – The way to reach God” , has been the prime reason to separate hearts , living within the same national boundary ?
  • Do we all , follow our respective religions properly enough ? Every religion carries the common message of spreading Love and Care and not kill and get killed, in the name of God . Do we all follow it ?
  • Do we not interpret religion and its messages, as per our thought process and convenience ?
  • Is Religion Bigger Than Nationalism ? 
  • Is our religous identity more important than our national identity ?